An equine influenza outbreak is impacting the local burro populations in Redlands and surrounding areas.
Dozens of burros have already died from the virus since mid-October and the death count is expected to rise. Most of the deaths are occurring in the canyon areas between Redlands and Riverside County.
San Bernardino County, Riverside County and state officials are monitoring the outbreak and urging horse owners to consult their veterinarians and get booster vaccines for previously vaccinated animals. Also, horse owners should ensure their animals are not exposed to sick burros by moving their animals away from fence lines in areas where the burros frequent.
Redlands Animal Control will work closely with California Department of Food and Agriculture veterinarians. In addition, the following agencies are working to provide information and help for sick burros, if possible: DonkeyLand Rescue, and San Bernardino County Animal Care & Control.
The virus is specific to equids (horses, mules and donkeys) and does not affect other species of animals. Equine influenza is a highly contagious virus that spreads rapidly through groups of horses in aerosolized droplets dispersed by coughing or through fomite transmission. The majority of the clinical signs are respiratory and may also include fever, edema and enlarged lymph nodes. Clinical signs are more common, and more severe, in younger horses (ages 1 to 5) and may be more severe in donkeys and mules. Older horses usually have milder disease.
Although officials recognize that some people unlawfully feed the burros, all agencies are urging the public to avoid contact with the burros, especially anyone that owns horses.
Humans do not contract the disease, but people can act as fomites and transmit the virus between horses, said Emily Nietrzeba, a Sacramento-based equine specialist veterinarian with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
“It’s important we emphasize to the public regarding the importance of preventing contact between sick burros and healthy horses and donkeys, and avoiding all shared waterers, feeders, and equipment, as well as limiting fence line exposure to the greatest extent possible,” Dr. Nietrzeba said. “Horse owners are encouraged to discuss best disease prevention practices, including vaccination, with their own vets.”
Dr. Alisha Olmstead, a state veterinarian in the CDFA’s Ontario office, advised horse owners to avoid traveling with their animals if they believe their pets might have been exposed. Also, she said these owners should avoid having visitors with horses come to their properties because indirect transmission can occur and can be an important means of spread. This includes transmission of the virus on clothing, equipment, brushes, shared water buckets, hands, etc., she said.
Olmstead said equine influenza is one of the most common infectious diseases of the respiratory tract of horses, which is why there are several vaccines currently marketed.
To report any sick animals in the city of Redlands Please contact the Redlands Animal Control at 909-798-7644.
Anyone with information regarding crime or suspicious activity is asked to contact Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681 ext. 1. Certain non-emergency crimes may also be reported online using the Redlands Police Department’s CopLogic reporting system at www.cityofredlands.org/report-crime. Suspicious activity and tips can be reported using the City of Redlands 311 mobile app available for Android, iPhones, and iPads.
Redlands Police press releases and other information are available on the Redlands Police Department Facebook page at www.facebook.com/redlandspolicedepartment or on the Department website at https://www.cityofredlands.org/police
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